Canary Islands: Cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona

Mar 28 2012 - Apr 8 2012

Download the Canary Islands Cruise Brochure

From $4,895 per person based on double occupancy, VAT not included
Free air from select gateway cities!
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
Board the Six-Star Crystal Symphony for an exciting program to exotic ports of call. Set sail from Lisbon, celebrated for its unique combination of tradition and modern flair, for the beautiful Madeiran capital of Funchal, set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains. Explore the tree-lined boulevards, squares and lush parks of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the vibrant diversity of Casablanca. Visit Cádiz, the oldest inhabited city in the western world, and Málaga, the jewel of Andalucía’s Costa del Sol, before arriving in Barcelona, the cultural heartland of Spain. At the end of the day, relax amid the beauty, elegance and attention to every detail have earned the Crystal Symphony a worldwide reputation for excellence! Best of all, take advantage of 2-for-1 pricing, free air, and an All Inclusive package that provides free dining in the ship’s specialty restaurants, complimentary fine wines and spirits, prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and lounge staff, and free access to fitness, entertainment and educational venues.

Itinerary

Day 1: In Transit from North America

  • Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Lisbon, Portugal. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
  • Meals—Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service and Dinner

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal

  • Arrive at Lisbon Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
  • Board the Crystal Symphony. Your AHI Campus Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: At Sea

  • Enjoy the beginning of your journey around the Iberian Sea on board Crystal Symphony. Bask in the luxury of your comfortable, well-appointed suite, rejuvenate at the Crystal Spa, savor a delicious meal at the creative restaurants or marvel at the beauty of the ocean. The day is yours to enjoy. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Funchal, Madiera

  • Small yet stylish, Funchal — the capital of Madiera, a Portuguese island — is a fun-loving port city with lush, gorgeous parks full of tropical fauna, a bustling nightlife and clear blue waters perfect for water sports or scenic walks along the coast. Fennel grows in abundance and the scent of eucalyptus permeates the air. Enjoy chic shopping, cafes and restaurants in a picturesque setting.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

  • Situated on the largest of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers museums, beaches and one of the most famous Carnaval celebrations in the world. Also known for its rich ecosystem and year-round spring like weather, the island boasts an abundance of native wildlife.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: At Sea

  • Today is a day of leisure on board Crystal Symphony— how you want to spend the day is up to you. Relax by the pool or with a massage at the spa. Choose from topnotch restaurants, including Pergo, which serves sumptuous Italian cuisine. Famed chef Nobu Matsuhita has created Asian cuisine for Silk Road and The Sushi Bar. Attend a lecture with a renowned speaker or learn a new skill with Berlitz language classes, piano lessons at the Creative Learning Institute or wine tastings where you can discover more about grape varietals.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Casablanca, Morocco

  • The name Casablanca might conjure up the 1942 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, yet today this dynamic city still holds a mystique that attracts world travelers. Visitors enjoy a crossroads of cultures in its eclectic architecture, arts and customs. Dine on Moroccan cuisine at a seaside restaurant, shop for luxury goods at trendy shops, marvel at art-deco buildings or wander through a souk for exotic crafts.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Cádiz, Spain

  • Cádiz, located on a peninsula jutting out into the bay, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back to 1100 B.C. when it began as a trading post. Well-known explorers including Christopher Columbus are said to have ventured here. Today, Cádiz is a fanciful city with Moorish architecture, cobblestone streets and winding alleys, known for its historical sites, including an ancient Roman theatre and city wall.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Málaga, Spain

  • Málaga, Europe’s most southern city, was founded by the Phoenicians and later became part of the Roman Empire. Many archaeological wonders, including a first-century theater, can still be seen today. The year-round warm weather and location on Spain’s Costa del Sol, make it an ideal getaway for holidaying Europeans.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: At Sea

  • Spend the day at your leisure. Recharge with a yoga or Pilates class at the gym or perfect your game at the PGA Golf clinics. Watch a favorite movie in the Hollywood Theatre. Enjoy 24-hour room service or sip a glass of wine and enjoy seasonal, exquisite dishes at one of the many top restaurants. However you choose to spend your day, Crystal Symphony has all the details in place to make your trip away from home a luxurious experience.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Barcelona, Spain

  • It’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities to visit: countless artistic treasures and elegant shopping are just a few of the attractions that make Barcelona so appealing. The food is especially noteworthy, from traditional tapas at neighborhood hot spots to award-winning cuisine by celebrated chefs, this Mediterranean city is overflowing with things to see and do. Enjoy acres of public green space in and among a bustling cosmopolis, the famed opera house and Gaudi’s elaborate “melting” cathedral.
  • This evening, join your fellow AHI travelers for an exclusive Farewell Reception.
  • Accommodations—Crystal Symphony
  • Meals—Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: In Transit to North America

  • After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flights to your gateway city. Transfer and flight provided for Air Program participants.
  • Meals -- Breakfast / Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

 

 

Your Northwestern Host

Charles L. Katzenmeyer (WCAS85, KSM89), President of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA), serves as senior vice president for external affairs at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago – America's First Planetarium.  In this role, he oversees development, membership, government relations and marketing/communications.

Previously, he was the chief advancement officer for the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, the world’s most-visited museum; and before that, campaign director at The Field Museum in Chicago.  He has also been a development officer for Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the American Bar Association.  His first job after college was as assistant director at Northwestern’s Department of Alumni Relations, working for the late Raymond E. Willemain.

As an alumnus, Charles has chaired his 10th reunion, 15th reunion gift committee, the Greek Alumni Council (1991-1994), the annual Gay & Lesbian Homecoming Reception (1995-1999, 2002), the WCAS Alumni Board (1995) and the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Centennial (1993).  He also served on the board of his Fraternity’s house corporation (1985-present), NU Club of Chicago (1997-2000, 2002-2004), University Sesquicentennial Committee (1999-2001), Northwestern Annual Fund Executive Committee (1998-2003) and Donor Recognition Task Force (2003-2005).  Away from Northwestern, Charles is active with several professional organizations, including the American Association of Museums.